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Follow-Up Test: 2002 Nissan Maxima SE
Move Over Pancakes, Here Comes Bacon
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By Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
Date posted: 03-26-2002
My parents own two cars. Both are Nissan Maximas — an '87 and a '99. Somehow, they fulfill all of their automotive transportation needs with these two cars. No SUV, no pickup, no crossover. They like Maximas so much they convinced their neighbor to buy one.
As their offspring, I am rather distressed by this Maxima obsession. Do I have some sort of latent Maxima gene that will kick in once I turn 50? What if it's tied to that parenting gene that shuts off all perception of style and cool? Or possibly the same one that also causes my mom to be baffled by technology no more advanced than a speakerphone?
This is a serious issue. As much as I love my parents, I don't want to become them. So it was with some trepidation that I took on the task of writing up our review of the 2002 Maxima. No need to encourage the growth of Maximitus, right?
Building off the car's redesign in 2000, Nissan gave the 2002 model a number of updates and changes. Included is more power, freshened styling, new features and updated interior trim. The Maxima's résumé now reads like it's applying for a job as an entry-level luxury sport sedan rather than its traditional role as a sporty family sedan.
The change is likely because of in-house competition. The all-new Altima, with its available 240-horsepower V6, sporty suspension and sharp design, plays directly to the audience that the Maxima traditionally held.
We've always liked the Maxima's smooth-revving V6, and this year it makes even more power. From the "VQ" series of engines, this DOHC 24-valve V6 now displaces 3.5 liters. Nissan is increasingly using this engine in a variety of products, including the Pathfinder, Altima, 2003 350Z and Infiniti G35. For 2002, its advanced architecture includes enhancements like continuous valve timing control, a variable induction system, a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle. These changes help to increase horsepower to 255 and raise torque to 246 lb-ft.
Yep, a 255-hp Maxima. This is certainly all-star power. It has 33 more hp than last year's car, 15 more than a '98 BMW M3 and is just a shade below the Acura TL Type-S. And, in Maxima tradition, it can be transferred to the front wheels through a manual transmission. There is some torque steer when you stomp on it in first gear, but it's not enough to be a concern. More importantly, there's one more gear to pick from for 2002.
This is the first time a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission has appeared in the Maxima. Additionally, the six-speed can be equipped with a limited-slip differential (the 2001 20th Anniversary model could also be equipped with this feature). A limited-slip differential helps to limit wheelspin and equalize power delivery between the front wheels. This improves acceleration from a stop and when putting down the power while exiting corners.
Our Maxima SE test car lacked a limited slip, but that didn't seem to matter much. During testing, the car took just 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and cleared the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds at 95.6 mph. This is faster than pretty much any family sedan, as well as most front-drive sport coupes. About the only car that can match up to the Maxima is — uh-oh — the Altima. A five-speed Altima 3.5 SE we tested had identical acceleration numbers — a 6.3-second 0-to-60 and a 14.9-second quarter-mile. Both cars weigh about 3,225 pounds, so where the Maxima's horsepower and transmission advantages went to we have no idea.
The six-speed does make highway cruising more relaxed. Just drop it into top gear, activate the cruise control and you're on your way. Fuel economy is 21/28 mpg city/highway with the manual or 20/26 mpg for the auto. A 2001 five-speed had a 22/27 mpg rating. We averaged 19 mpg in combined driving. If you go with the manual transmission, be prepared for the shifter's long throws and notchy feel. While it's certainly functional, a sportier action would help improve the driver's interaction with the car.
The suspension is still the same — MacPherson struts in front and a multilink non-independent beam axle in back. The Maxima puts on a good show and is entertaining to drive. There's plenty of grip available from the 17-inch wheels and tires. These come standard on the SE, as does a larger front antiroll bar, firmer bushings, and sport-tuned shocks and springs. The SE might be too firm for some tastes, but it's never harsh. During slalom testing, our driver noted that the rear end could get a little light as the car snaked its way through the gates. In extreme handling situations like these, the Altima is more athletic and sporting, a characteristic partially attributed to the car's more advanced rear suspension.
For 2002, the Maxima comes standard with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Along with the standard ABS system, brake assist helps to reduce stopping distances in a panic stop, while EBD improves braking when a car is loaded with people or cargo. During brake testing, our car stopped from 60 mph in 127 feet. This is a pretty short distance for a sedan, though it's a bit longer than what the Altima 3.5 SE can do (125 feet). The last Maxima we tested — a 2000 SE — stopped in 126 feet.
One area in which the Maxima still has the Altima beat, however, is interior comfort. The materials used are much higher in quality, with plush cloth (leather is optional on the SE) and a high percentage of soft-touch plastics used for the dashboard and doors. Front seat comfort has been improved for 2002, thereby improving upon the already copious amount of room. Of all the cars sold in the United States for 2002, the Maxima offers the highest average measurement for driver and front passenger headroom, hiproom and legroom.
The SE comes with silver-faced gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The gauges look cool but can sometimes be a little hard to read. You might want to consider ordering the leather trim package, as this includes the automatic climate control system. Without it, you're left futzing around with a small temperature slider and small fan-speed knob. One other minor complaint we have is that there's no nighttime illumination for the cruise control buttons or steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
For 2002, Nissan has upgraded the feature content. Standard on all models are high-intensity discharge headlights, a trip computer with an outside temperature monitor and a microfilter for the air conditioning. A navigation system is optional this year, as is an upgraded 200-watt Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Our test car had the audio system, and it did seem to crank out some impressive sounds. The car didn't have the navigation system, however. We would expect it to operate similarly to the system found in the Infiniti I35.
Because of its feature and powertrain upgrades, this latest Maxima is perhaps the best ever. It's fast, roomy and reasonably priced. If you like Maximas (yes, that means you, Mom and Dad), this one should please. Its upscale move also means it competes with cars like the Lexus IS 300 and Acura TL Type-S. But if you're in the market for a sporty family sedan, you should really consider an Altima 3.5 SE. It will do everything the Maxima can do and take a smaller bite out of your wallet. Just watch out, though; you'll get a case of Altimitus.
See all the Ratings: 2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M) Road Test Scoreboard
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